Tuesday, September 29, 2009

old tradition, new fun

At the beginning of every fall we make a point of attending Grand Rapids' Edelweiss Club's Oktoberfest. I need to go--to celebrate my German heritage, watch people dance, eat a brat, and drink good German beer. Andy needs to go, also--mainly for the beer. It's become a tradition, and a good way to welcome in autumn.

This past weekend was a big one for us. Oktoberfest and the start of Grand Rapids' gigantic, superfantasticArtPrize. (Follow the link to learn all about ArtPrize.) We checked out some of ArtPrize's giant outdoor sculpture offerings by night with our friends Markand Roberta (who was celebrating her birthday--happy birthday, Roberta!).

I took some photos at both events. (And I promise--there's some vintage in here, too!)

Oktoberfest tents under a beautiful evening sky.

Dancers!

Zickezacke, zickezacke, hoihoihoi!

A cute Polish boy I met at Oktoberfest.

Puzzled. Why is the wiener schnitzel sandwich served with tartar sauce?

Random cute dog (okay, well, it's Lucy) shot.

This is the outfit I wore Saturday night. It's the dress I found on this thrift trip. Yes, it's on the dress form. Trust me--this is a lot faster and easier than directing Andy in taking 350 photos of me that I will obsess over and hate. I love the scalloped neckline on this dress, and I wore it with my go-to vintage black shrug, which has cute mini flower appliques all over it.

And now, a few ArtPrize photos. I have to apologize for the poor quality of my photos. I am not used to taking nighttime photos, or using my flash.

A streetlight through the trees.

Very cool work-in-progress glass sculpture.

Mechagodzilla?

Loved these little flying dudes--they look like something out of Star Wars.

Nessie in the Grand River. Love it, but thought the roaring audio effect was a bit over the top.

Taco truck. Not really "art," but a thing of beauty nonetheless.

Next weekend promises even MORE excitement, if you can believe it. My best friend Stephani is coming to visit, and it's her birthday! Not to mention, it's Pulaski Days.